See Mariska Hargitay's Announcement as 'Law & Order: SVU' Starts Shooting New Season
Mariska Hargitay revealed that she is ready to get back on set as detective Benson on "Law & Order: SVU." The actress shared photos from a first read-through with her colleagues.
Fans of the long-running crime drama, "Law & Order: SVU," can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the show's star, Mariska Hargitay. On Saturday, the actress shared a sneak peek of the new season's script with followers.
She also gave them a look at the Zoom call read-through with her castmates. The effects of the coronavirus will carry over into the show. The post is found below.
Mariska Hargitay and Peter Scanavino on set of "Law and Order: SVU" in New York City on March 6, 2020 | Photo: Getty Images
"SVU" CAST'S VIRTUAL READ-THROUGH
In the first slide Hargitay shares, we see a partial photo of her script. At the top are names of the many executive producers, including Hargitay. Then we see the show's name.
The episode titled "Remember Me in Quarantine" appears next. Presumably, this is the name of the premiere episode for season 22. As per habit, the writers took inspiration from current events.
Jamie Gray Hyder, Ice T, Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, and Peter Scanavino pose for "Law & Order: SVU" in September 2019 | Photo: Getty Images
SHOOTING BEGINS THIS WEEK
Behind the script is a laptop with the show's cast on the screen. The next slide gives an even better view of the 25 cast members Hargitay is doing the read-through with. She wrote in the caption:
"It's official! The bands back together! We had our first read thru today [sic]. #zoom Remember me in quarantine.#SVU22 We start shooting Monday."
The post has received nearly 148k likes from eager viewers who were forced to wait things out after the coronavirus caused televised shows like "SVU" to stop filming.
"LAW & ORDER" CELEBRATES 30
It follows a celebratory post from creator Dick Wolf. The owner of Wolf Entertainment paid tribute to "Law and Order's" 30-year run with a throwback photo from the tv franchise's earlier days.
It featured actor Chris North, who was junior detective Mike Logan from seasons one to five. The show first began in 1990 and ran for 20 seasons before it ended in 2010. "SVU" is one of many spin-offs from the original series.
Mariska Hargitay on set of "Law & Order: SVU" episode titled "Eternal Relief from Pain" in February 6, 2020 | Photo: Getty Images
Hargitay has been present on "SVU" since its inception in 1999. She and Christopher Meloni, played by Elliot Stabler, are perhaps the most widely known cast members. Unfortunately, Meloni left at the end of season 12.
MELONI TO RETURN FOR NEW SEASON
In May, fans were thrilled to hear that Meloni would be making a temporary comeback in the new season's premiere alongside former partner, Stabler.
An insider for Closer Weekly noted that Hargitay was "so excited" for the reported reunion. Meloni previously ended his run in 2011 due to his contract negotiations falling through.
Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni photographed while working on "Law and Order: SVU" in New York City on March 17, 2010 | Photo: Getty Images
With the COVID-19 developments, it is unclear if Meloni will still return for the premiere. Elsewhere, "SVU" crew member Josh Wallwork passed away due to COVID-19 in March. His colleagues mourned his death on social media.